Allardyce has revealed why he attended the shady meeting

Sam Allardyce’s spell as England manager didn’t climax with a humiliating group stage exit of a major tournament, but instead with a secretly filmed meeting between the doomed Three Lions boss and some undercover Telegraph reporters. We were all wondering how the one-time Bolton coach could have shown such an astonishing lack of judgement, but now the veil has been lifted, in just five simple words.

‘Go on, lad. No problem.’

These are surely five words that can only precede an act of extreme stupidity.

I’m a professional football player with a list of indiscretions worthy of its own Wikipedia page. I’ve just clawed back a scrap of credibility following a half-decent season in the Championship with Burnley after years in the wilderness (or “QPR” as its known coloquially). Should I place illicit bets on football games, in direct contravention of Scottish FA guidelines?

Source: Scottish Sun

‘Go on, lad. No problem.’

Alex Ferguson once hand picked me as his successor, but now my once promising managerial career is floundering after a disastrous spell in Spain. I’ve been offered a shot at redemption with Sunderland, and although they’ve spent the last five seasons trying to stave off relegation, the owner has assured me they’re a club on the up. Should I take up the offer?

Source: Sky Sports

‘Go on, lad. No problem.’

I’ve spent my whole career toiling away at midtable teams, and now – at long last – my country has bestowed me with the honour of being national team coach. A couple of shady looking businessmen have just asked for my advice on how to circumvent rules governed by my new employers. Does this sound like a good idea?

Sam Allardyce caught on tape telling undercover journalists he can get them secret supplies of Marmite. pic.twitter.com/eALZ2Lb0cM